Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) in Cherokee, N.C. Good food, good fun, great prizes, great benefits.

• Sept. 26 at 1 p.m., fundraiser for the over-40 Big Cove Indian Ball Team
• Oct. 3 at 1 p.m., fundraiser for the over-40 Big Cove Indian Ball Team
• Oct. 17 at 5 p.m., Annual Jesse Welch Memorial Turkey Shoot, sponsored by family

Fingerweaving Fridays. starting Sept. 4 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio, 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719.Bring a project you’re working on or select materials from the Museum’s supplies. Open to enrolled EBCI members, EBCI parents & spouses. Registration is not required: just show up! INFO: (828) 497-3481

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Oct. 7 – Oct. 12 at Burgess – Oocumma Veterans Memorial Cemetery 21 Longbranch Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. The 51^st Anniversary of the ending of the “Vietnam War”. C0-hosted by the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post #143 and EBCI Cherokee Parks and Recreation Department.

Cherokee Warriors Mogadishu Mile, Operation Gothic Serpent Remembrance Run. Oct. 9 at 7 a.m. at the Cherokee High School Football Field 86 Elk Crossing Ln., Cherokee, NC. 28719. 2 mile combat warrior obstacle course. Open to Veterans, Active Duty Military, National Guard & Reserve, Native American Warriors, First responders, Community Members. Registration deadline Oct. 7. INFO: (828) 359-6184 or email samuball@ebci-nsn.gov.

Sam Lambert 1^st Annual Golf Tournament. Oct. 11 start at 9 a.m. at the Sequoyah National Golf Club 79 Cahon’s Mt. Rd., Whittier, NC. 28789. Join us for a day of golf, fellowship and community support while helping provide educational scholarships for the children of EBCI Veterans. INFO: (828)359-6184 or email samuball@ebci-nsn.gov.

October Health Screen. Oct. 22 from 5 p.m. – 7p.m. at the Big Y Gym 2641 Wrights Creek Rd., Cherokee, NC 28719. Theme: Breast Cancer awareness and self screening. Also BP checks and BMI checks, Resources and Mammo scheduling. With Trudy Crowe, FNP.

Homecoming 2026. Oct. 25 starting at 10:30 a.m. at Yellowhill Baptist Church, 297 Yellowhill Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Fellowship dinner following services. Preaching by Bro. Sam Steele. Various Singers. Everyone welcome.

Qualla-ween. Beginning Oct. 1 – 31 at various locations: Museum of the Cherokee People 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Mountainside Theatre 688 Drama Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Oconaluftee Indian Village 226 Indian Village Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Qualla Arts & Crafts 645 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Legendary Fears: The Sgili(Ghost) Hunt, Legendary fears: Spearfinger’s Awakening, Fear as a teacher Exhibit, Shape Shifters, Cherokee Art Heist. INFO: Following Qualla-ween on Facebook.

ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᏂᏬᏂᏍᎩ ᏗᏓᏅᏓᏗᏍᏗ ᎢᎦ  tsalagi aniwonisgi didandadisdi iga (Cherokee Speakers Memorial Day) ceremony. Nov 24 at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Speakers Place. Join to honor and remember the Cherokee speakers whose voices, wisdom, and dedication have helped preserve and sustain language for future generations.

Fingerweaving Fridays. Every Friday in September from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Bring a project you’re working on or select materials from the Museum’s supplies. Open to enrolled EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) members, EBCI parents and spouses. Registration is not required: just show up.

Book signing for “Riding the Trail”. Sept 30 at 4 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People 589 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Will Chavez, co-author with Traci Sorrell, of “Riding the Trail: Cherokee Remember the Removal”, will be signing books. Info: Visit the museum’s website at ww.motcp.org  or contact the museum at (828) 497-3481.

Book signing for “Riding the Trail”. Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. Will Chavez, co-author with Traci Sorrell, of “Riding the Trail: Cherokee Remember the Removal”, will be signing books. Info: Visit the museum’s website at www.sequoyahmuseum.org or contact the museum at (423) 884-6246.

Cherokee Heritage Day. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m at New Echota State Historic Site 1211 Chatsworth Hwy NE., Calhoun, GA. 30701. Cherokee Language Repertory Choir, Cherokee Artist Demonstrations, Cherokee Vendors, Ranger Demonstrations, Food Vendors, raffle and silent auction. INFO: (706) 624-1321

6^th Annual Cherokee Winter Social. Jan. 30, 2027 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Sports and Recreation Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. MC: Catcuce Tiger. Everyone welcome. Traditional dress encouraged. All Cherokee Dance groups welcome, bring your rattles and drums. Nikki’s Frybread will be set up. INFO: CHEROKEEWINTERSOCIAL@GMAIL.COM

NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.

Qualla Boundary Historical Society. meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building 918 Acquoni Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Eeryone is welcome to attend the meetings, can join and be a member. The Society is organized to promote, preserve, and educate members of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), residents of the Qualla Boundary, and others so interested in Cherokee culture, history, arts and crafts, and genealogy/family histories. Follow on Facebook: Qualla Boundary Historical Society. 

(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)

Work Session on Res. No. 294 (Disbursement of TABCC Funding). Oct. 15 at 9 a.m.

Work Session on Ord. No. 251 (Spousal Inheritance of Possessory Holdings). Oct. 15 at 10 a.m.

Work Session on Ord. No. 212 (Public Nuisance). Oct 15 at 11 a.m.

Work Session on Golf Board. Oct. 15 at 1 p.m.

Work Session on Ord. No. 252 (Establish the Committee of Aging and Disability). Oct. 15 at 2 p.m.

Work Session on Cherokee Language Program. Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.

Concerts and Shows

Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live. Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live Tickets Aug 14, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Travis Tritt. Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Travis Tritt Tickets Sep 19, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Mike Epps. Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Mike Epps Tickets Oct 02, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster

Promotions and Other Events

35^th Annual Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow. Sept. 25-27 at the Morongo Pow Wow Grounds in Cabazon, Calif. Info: 1-888-MORONGO, www.morongopowwow.com

Frog Lake Pow Wow. Sept. 25 at 6 Chiefs Cultural grounds in Frog Lake, Alberta, Canada. Info: Frog Lake First Nation (780) 943-3737, info@froglake.ca

Last Chance Community Pow Wow. Sept. 25-27 in Helena, Mont. MC: Vincent Short. Host Drum: DB Express. Info: https://lastchancepowwow.com

3^rd Annual Dance By the River Pow Wow. Sept. 26-27 at Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing, Mich. Info: https://anishinaabefriendshipcenter.com

43^rd Annual Wilco Pow Wow. Sept. 26-27 at Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Tenn. MC: Rob Daugherty. Host Drum: Southside. Info: (615) 512-0952, wilcopowwow@gmail.com, https://wilcopowwow.com/

47^th Annual Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Pow Wow. Sept. 26-27 in Dorseyville, Pa. Info: Jason Whitehouse. Host Drum: War Paint. Info: (412) 782-4457, www.cotraic.org

Broken Arrow Intertribal Veterans Association 5^th Annual Benefit Pow Wow. Sept. 26 at Broken Arrow Public Schools Event Center in Broken Arrow, Okla. MC: John Arkeketa. Head Singer: Silas Satepauhoodle. Info: https://baiva4veterans.org/

South Sound Pow Wow. Sept. 26 at Bethel High School in Graham, Wash. MC: Arlie Neskahi. Host Drum: 206 Singers. Info: Rachael Barger at rbarber@bethelsd.org, or Grace Leatham at gleatham@bethelsd.org

33^rd Annual Comanche Nation Fair Pow Wow. Oct. 2-4 in Lawton, Okla. Info: https://www.comanchenationfair.com

16^th Annual Sacred Springs Pow Wow. Oct. 3-4 at Meadows Center in San Marcos, Texas. MC: Tim Tallchief. Host Northern Drum: Eagle Point. Host Southern Drum: Otter Trail. Info: www.sspowwow.com

32^nd Annual Heart of Tataviam Pow Wow. Oct. 3-4 at William S. Hart Park in Newhall, Calif. MC: Glen Begay. Host Northern Drum: Blue Star. Host Southern Drum: Hale and Co. Info: https://www.tataviam-nsn.us/event/32-tataviam-pw/

Chumash Intertribal Pow Wow. Oct. 3-4 in Santa Ynez, Calif. Info: sypowwow@chumash.gov

Homelands Pow Wow. Oct. 3-4 in Lenox, Mass. Emcees: Nimunaw Shundaw Williams, Aaron Athey. Host Drum: Gii Taa’Se. Invited Drums: RezDogs, Sugar Bush. Info: https://homelandspowwow.org

Winona-Dakota Gathering. Oct. 3-4 at Unity Park in Winona, Minn. MC: Butch Felix. Host Drum: Wicahpi Hoksila. Info: https://winonadakotaunityalliance.org

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410

Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788

Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.  For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.

MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi

Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org

Connecting to Place II: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational. Now  – Sept. 27 (Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at Mars Landing Arts Center in Mars Hill, N.C. The 20 participants are from the Far West region of Western North Carolina, representing seven towns and the Qualla Boundary: Franklin, Waynesville, Dillsboro, Bryson City, Cullowhee, Canton, Cherokee, Maggie Valley, and Brasstown. The artwork consists of different mediums including clay, fiber, metal, paper, and wood. This is free and open to the public. Info: (828) 747-7267, http://MarsLandingGalleries.com

Blue Ribbon Country Fair. Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend, TN. 37882. Watch living historians demonstrate open-hearth cooking, spinning, weaving, wood turning, and blacksmithing. Get up close with quality livestock. Browse vendors and demonstrators who bring genuine old-fashioned country charm to everything they do. INFO: (865) 448-0044.

Mountain Monarch Festival. Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Gorges State Park 976 Grassy Ridge Rd., Sapphire, NC. 28774. Join in the celebration of the migration of Monarch Butterflies. Free event. Rain or shine. INFO: (828) 966-9099

Monarch Butterfly Tagging & Education Oct. 3 and 7  from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. meet at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Townsend, TN. 37882.  This will give participants a chance to join local conservation efforts to track the monarch butterfly population during its expected annual migration. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Elk in the Smokies, Oct. 9 and 17, from 12: 30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Oconaluftee Visitor Center 1194 Newfound Gap Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719.  Features a naturalist ramble in the during the height of the elk rut, when these iconic animals are most active.  INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Pistol Creek, Catch of the Day. Oct. 10 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sam Houston Schoolhouse 3663 Old Sam Houston School Rd, Maryville, TN. 37804. Bring a lawn chair. INFO: (865) 983-1550.

Archaeology Day at the Chief Vann House. Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Chief Vann House 82 GA-225N, Chatsworth, GA. 30705. Take part in Archaeology themed activities. INFO: (706) 695-2598

Flag Retirement Ceremony. Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Fairview Elementary baseball field parking lot 251 Big Orange Way, Sylva, NC. 28779. If you would like to submit a flag for retirement contact POC’s C/MAJ Ford Perry or C/1SG Davis or C/1LT Evelin BEFORE Oct. 10.  Patriotic guest speakers, live music, free hot dog lunch. INFO: fordperr@student.jcpsmail.org, Davis – (828) 506-7063, evelome@student.jcpsmail.org.

2nd annual Pink Platoon 5K run/walk. Oct. 10, 9 a.m. final registration.  at the Charles George VA Medical Center 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC. 28805. The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System in commitment to the countless people impacted by breast cancer, the event is dedicated to fostering health, solidarity and hope for the community. Participants are encouraged to show their support by wearing their brightest pink attire — tutus especially welcome. The event is family-friendly, community-focused and free of cost, welcoming participants of all ages. In addition to the 5K, a resource fair will offer VA and community resources supporting wellness, education and awareness. Race participants can sign up for the race at: runsignup.com/Race/NC/Asheville/PinkPlatoon5K

Call for Entries – Quilt Show. Oct. 16 the morning of. Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center 121 Schoolhouse Rd., Robbinsville, NC. 28771.  All types of quilts and fiber arts can be on display. To win viewers choice award, quilt must be made by the person(s) entering it. The exhibit will open as well as voting on the quilts, Saturday, Oct. 17. Rules and entry forms are available now for download from the website: StecoahValleyCenter.com/festivals. INFO: (828) 479-3364.

Cherohala Skyway Festival. Oct. 24 from 10a.m. – 5 p.m.  by the Charles Hall Museum 122 Bank St., Tellico Plains, TN. 37385. Special Josh Graves music tribute. Free admission. Handmade items from many talented crafters and artisans! Vendors offer everything from paintings and photographs, pottery, floral arrangements, wood crafts and turnings, doll clothes, dolls, toys, jewelry, candles, soap, and decorative accessories. Lots of kids activities. Food trucks onsite.  INFO: (423)253-8000

Cherokee Heritage Day. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m at New Echota State Historic Site 1211 Chatsworth Hwy NE., Calhoun, GA. 30701. Cherokee Language Repertory Choir, Cherokee Artist Demonstrations, Cherokee Vendors, Ranger Demonstrations, Food Vendors, raffle and silent auction. INFO: (706) 624-1321

Forest Bathing Guided Walk Oct. 30. From 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. meet at  Oconaluftee Visitor Center 1194 Newfound Gap Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719. Walk along the Kephart Prong Trail on the North Carolina side of the park near Bryson City and Cherokee, slow down and reconnect with nature this immersive experience is designed to highlight the restorative benefits of spending time in the forest.  .  INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Grandma Gatewood’s Walk Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, Tenn.  37882. Explores the inspiring story of the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.or

Aunt Liddy Monologue Nov. 12  from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Great Smokies Welcome Center 7929 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, Tenn.  37882. Introduces audiences to Lydia Kear Whaley, a midwife, healer and Civil War widow who lived in Sugarlands from 1840 to 1926. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org

Regal Raptors & Short-eared Owls  Nov. 30  from 1 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Cades Cove Orientation Shelter, Cades Cove Loop Rd. Townsend, Tenn. 37782.  experience an evening of “owl-ology” where participants will learn about these remarkable birds of prey. INFO: (865) 436-7318 or  smokieslife.org